The Urban Unusuals: Onna Weber of VinoKilo

These days, most people are aware of the fashion industry’s big impact on the environment – for those wanting to keep an eye on their footprint and yet also enjoy to shop, vintage or second-hand shopping has increasingly improved. Enter VinoKilo, Germany’s biggest pop-up event for second-hand clothing. VinoKilo regularly organizes offline events in cities all over Germany – often joined by unu, who offer free test rides to the event’s visitors.

Onna Weber is the Social Media Manager of the young Mainz-based company. In our interview, she discusses VinoKilo’s vision, their plans for the future and fashion consumerism as a whole and shares her insider tips for Mainz.

How did the idea to start VinoKilo come about?

That happened during an evening on the sofa. Robin Blaser (VinoKilo Founder) and Dominik Breu (VinoKilo Operational Leader) wanted to get rid of some clothes and decided to sell them by the kilo in a 100qm sized apartment in Mainz. The boys were taken by surprise when 400 people turned up at the apartment. That’s when the concept was born and the team just started to grow. Today, we’re a team of 17 colleagues. Everyone puts their heart and soul into their work and helps each other with the development and organization of the company. And it works, with lots of fun and love!

How did you find your way to VinoKilo?

Unlike many of my friends, I’ve never wanted to go abroad after finishing my technical diploma in design. It’s probably because I grew up in Pakistan and Yemen and have therefore already seen quite a lot of the world. Robin is the son of my mother’s best friend and I’ve known him my entire life. I just asked him if he had a job for me. Two months later I was VinoKilo’s Community Manager. I completely agree with the ethics and the concept of the company and I love working within the best team in the world. What more could I wish for?

What does your vision for VinoKilo look like?

Ideally, not only old clothes are put back into circulation and therefore the fast fashion industry slows down a bit. People, especially the younger generations, should start to think more about where the products they consume come from and how they are produced. It would be nice if they got inspired by us and realized that each individual matters in order to really make a difference in the world. That’s my vision for VinoKilo.

A typical pop-up event by VinoKilo, where clothes are sold by the kilo

VinoKilo is Germany’s biggest pop-up event for second-hand clothing

Onna Weber, VinoKilo’s social media manager

How did you come across unu?

A friend of mine recommended unu to me. unu and VinoKilo aren’t only the perfect fit – they both care about the environment, sustainability and good design – but it’s also great to connect two young companies and to help each other out.

Since our first joint event in Mainz this summer, I’ve also been a fan of the unu Scooter – and obviously also all the people behind the company.

How do unu and VinoKilo fit together?

I think we’re pursuing the same goal. We both want that our world remains a place worth living in. To achieve this, it’s important that health, production and nature are brought into harmony. And that’s what we’re working on.

What do you like most about Mainz?

The best thing about Mainz is the view of Wiesbaden. As a Wiesbadener, I have to say that! (laughs)

No, what I love most about Mainz is the market breakfast every Saturday morning.

The whole crew assembled: the VinoKilo team

Where and how do you enjoy to spend your free time?

I like to spend my time in nature – preferably on my electric scooter of course. If the weather allows it, I’m actually always outside on the road. I spend a lot of time with my horses in the stable. If I'm not there, it's likely that you can find me on my unu Scooter on the way to the Rhine or the lake or in my garden with my friends.

Do you have a few “under the radar” places in Mainz that you can reach with your unu Scooter?

My personal recommendation is to get on your scooter and drive along the Rhine to Oppenheim. There is a great beach there, which isn’t overcrowded – a little insider tip, so to speak. It is the perfect place to watch the most incredible sunset. Afterwards, you should go to the wine bar Fritz Reichert I. in Nierstein. I promise that you can find the best Handkäse there!

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